Two dietary fibers from Ingredion Incorporated—VERSAFIBE 1490 and NOVELOSE 3490—have been recognized by Monash University as Low FODMAP Certified products in the U.S. The certification is awarded to products and ingredients that are low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP). Products that receive this certification are licensed to use the official Monash University Low FODMAP Diet badge, making it easier for manufacturers and consumers to identify ingredients and products that help support digestive health while following a low FODMAP diet.

FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates commonly found in American diets. Certain foods containing FODMAPs can trigger occasional digestive discomfort, including gas, bloating and altered bowel habits. According to the Monash University website, a low FODMAP diet can be an effective way to help manage digestive wellness.

The low FODMAP diet is quickly gaining momentum in the food industry and consumers are beginning to take notice. Ingredion’s August 2019 quantitative study of more than 750 U.S. participants revealed that consumers have a great interest in foods that help support digestive health, providing manufacturers with a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this growing trend at its early stages. The study also revealed that when introduced to low FODMAP product lines, 68% of participants felt low FODMAP products were good for digestive health and 53% said they would be very likely to purchase low FODMAP foods (based on a top-two box score of “agree” and “strongly agree”).

“The low FODMAP certification is already spurring new, innovative products from major food brands—expanding the potential of this diet from niche to mainstream markets,” said Michael DiMarcello, Ingredion’s global director, strategic marketing. “VERSAFIBE 1490 and NOVELOSE 3490 dietary fibers give manufacturers two new options that align with a low FODMAP diet and address increased consumer demand for products that support digestive wellness.”

VERSAFIBE 1490 and NOVELOSE 3490 dietary fibers are Low FODMAP Certified ingredients that enable manufacturers to add fiber to foods with little to no impact on texture, flavor and color. The dietary fibers can be used to formulate a wide variety of foods—including baked goods, pasta, snacks, nutrition bars and beverages—and are ideal for use in bakery applications, such as breads, cookies, tortillas and more.

VERSAFIBE 1490 and NOVELOSE 3490 dietary fibers are derived from two different sources, potato and tapioca, respectively, but both ingredients are classified as a resistant starch type 4 (RS4). RS4 starches are recognized by the FDA as dietary fibers. Not only does RS4 contribute to the fiber content in foods but it can also help reduce net calories in different types of food applications.

According to a 2018 Innova Market Insights survey, 44% of U.S. consumers say they have increased their consumption of fiber. “Dietary fiber is an important nutrient for digestive wellness,” said Vishnupriya Gourineni, Ingredion’s senior associate, plant-based protein research and development. “Dietary fibers with low FODMAPs, like VERSAFIBE 1490 and NOVELOSE 3490 type 4 resistant starches, give formulators the ability to develop products that are suitable for people following a low FODMAP diet while still delivering the benefits of fiber.”

The gastroenterology team at Monash University has been researching FODMAPs for more than 14 years and its members are considered pioneers and leaders in the study and development of the low FODMAP diet. Monash University established the Low FODMAP Certification program in response to overwhelming consumer demand for food products that do not trigger gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort and bloating.

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